A first DWI in Minnesota is generally classified as a 4th-degree DWI = misdemeanor (no aggravating factors).
Jail: none – 90 days
Fine: $0–$1,000
License suspension: 90 days (30 days if plea; less with quick IID) – 1 year (0.16+ or refusal → longer); hardship: IID immediately restores full driving; MN ignition-interlock program
Ignition interlock: Not required at this level — IID optional first offense (restores driving fast); mandatory at 0.16+ and repeats.
Alternative disposition: No formal diversion; the degree structure is the mechanism. 3rd-degree (one aggravator, e.g. 0.16+) = gross misdemeanor even on a 'first' arrest.
A first arrest at 0.16+ is 3rd-DEGREE DWI (gross misdemeanor), not 4th — the aggravating-factor system, not offense count, controls.
Lookback period: 10 years. 10-year window for priors as aggravating factors. Degrees: 4th = no aggravators (misdemeanor); 3rd = 1 aggravator (gross misdemeanor); 2nd = 2 aggravators (gross misdemeanor); 1st = 3+ aggravators or 3+ priors in 10 years, or a prior felony DWI (FELONY).
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